PUPILS turned crash victims for the day to learn about the dangers of reckless driving.

Around 90 sixth-formers at Shelley College got to sample the horrors of a road accident as part of a safe driving scheme.

Officers from Skelmanthorpe Fire Station, Kirklees road traffic police and Yorkshire Ambulance Service teamed up to give students a realistic insight into a road smash.

The teenagers were first shown a hard-hitting video featuring a road accident.

Representatives from the three emergency services then gave detailed talks about what they face at a typical crash site.

The students were then given a live demonstration of a rescue, using a pupil as a mock crash victim.

They watched as the fire services removed the driver from the scene, with the help of police and ambulance crews.

Skelmanthorpe Fire Station manager Dave Smith said: “We wanted to target 17-year-olds and new drivers to raise awareness about the implications of foolish driving.

“We take it as far as we can. If we get through to just one pupil, then it is worth doing.”

The initiative has proved so successful since it was started by Skelmanthorpe Fire Station last year, it now looks set to be rolled out across West Yorkshire.

It comes as West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service launched a separate campaign to spare more families thedevastation of losing a loved-one.

Firefighters from across the region will be working throughout the summer to raise awareness of the dangers of fires related to cooking, alcohol, smoking, child safety and road safety.

Area manager Brian Robson, senior community safety officer for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “During the summer people are more likely to socialise, whether it is at home or away from home, and alcohol plays a part.

“With family and friends around, as well as the children at home during the summer holidays, your attention can easily drift away from the cooking.

“We want everyone to enjoy the summer and we all hope for fantastic weather, but please remember that fire starts when your attention stops.”

The summer campaign will also target motorists.

Posters and flyers will be distributed throughout the community, adverts will run on buses and commuters will be targeted via Bluetooth in West Yorkshire’s main bus stations.

People are also being offered free home fire safety checks where they can receive free smoke alarms. Call freephone 0800 587 45 36.